Amy Butler camera case

A couple weeks late for the Amy Butler-themed Sew and Tell...but here she is!

There are about a million things that I need to be doing before leaving on our trip, but this is something that I just wanted to do. So to heck with pre-cooked meals for the kids or laundry! I had 2 requirements for this camera case:

1. cute (check!)
2. PADDED (also check!)

A couple weeks ago I dropped our camera onto the cement driveway. Did not bode well. When I tried to turn it on it actually sounded like it was screaming in pain. So, new camera for me! But I had to promise the hubby that I would be MORE CAREFUL. Since I rarely use our existing case (not cute enough), I thought the solution was clear- I needed to make a case that I was excited to use, and had lots of padding!

I really love how this turned out. I didn't use any pattern- actually, I started this at 10 p.m., with a head cold, half asleep, and didn't even sketch out a plan or measure stuff first. Crazy, I know! I am usually a planner, but not this time- I literally just cut one piece at a time, added it to the bag, then cut another to fit in. Not a method I plan to use again, as I spent some quality time with my seam ripper, but somehow I got it done and looking pretty decent. I kept it compact (I want to be able to throw it in my purse), and made it 3 dimensional to add width to accommodate the camera. I used a zippered closure to ensure that the camera would stay securely inside. A swivel hook was added to the wrist band, so that it can be hooked onto a backpack if need be. My favorite is the front pocket for the charger. I ran an elastic along the top to help prevent the charger from falling out. This made gathers, so I did some gathers/pleats across the top flap as well. I love the texture this added.
A general rule in my life is: if you can add a button, DO! Love 'em. I was excited to find the perfect home for this cute vintage button I found thrifting this spring. The loop tab is another "error"- I realized I forgot to add one in the flap seam, then layered the grey and dot squares on the flap to attach it. In the end this is one of my favorite details! The lining....well, it got pretty messed up, but who sees it anyway?? I was also excited to pull out these lovely Amy Butler Lotus fabrics that I have been sitting on forever (I think these were my FIRST fabric purchase, actually!). I love to buy fabrics, but have a hard time cutting into them. This was so worth it.

Can't wait to strut this bag around Italy next week!

I will be sharing with some of the great blogs on my side bar :-)